The trap of greed… | Fuel for the journey, by Ernie Hinojosa

Luke 12:13 Someone in the crowd said to (Jesus), “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”

I like stuff. I’ll bet you do too. Material things can be a blessing to us, and to others when we give of what we have. However, “greed” can set in if we’re not careful. When we get greedy we become fixated on having “more” than we really need. It’s the desire for material things – in excess. In this passage Jesus is concerned that the inheritance, left to the brothers to bless them, would become a curse instead. They are at risk of fighting over “stuff”, and losing a brother in the process.

This passage has me thinking this morning. Are my priorities out of whack? Am I placing too high a priority on material things and risking losing something more valuable? Like my family? Or friends? Or my faith? What about you?

Gracious God, we live in a culture that continually communicates the priority of “more”. Give us grace to keep our priorities in order and avoid the trap of greed. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.